The best MTB grips are crucial to getting the most out of mountain bike riding. As one of the three key contact points a rider has with their mountain bike, MTB grips may seem like a relatively insignificant thing, but they're actually incredibly important.
Investing in a pair of the best mountain bike grips will not only improve riding performance and help you to hang on to your handlebars on plummeting descents, but they will also deliver superior hand-grip and comfort, reducing fatigue over longer rides.
Just like the best mountain bike saddles and shoes, everybody has their preference when it comes to the best MTB grips, and what suits someone who has small hands isn't going to be comfortable for those with big hands.
Our experts have tested how a range of the best MTB grips handle in both wet and dry conditions, assessing their texture, grip, size, price, and durability.
There is a lot of choice when it comes to grips, so if you're not quite sure what you're looking for, skip to the bottom of the page where we explain how to choose the best MTB grips for you.
Best MTB grip overall
The original DMR Deathgrips are some of the most popular grips around – and for good reason. A three-texture grip combo blends a ribbed mushroom-style inner section and a knurled pattern with a waffle section for maximum palm and fingertip traction. The result gives really comfortable contact points with a superbly tactile level of grip.
DMR says it has tweaked the Deathgrip2 grip pattern for "millimetre-perfect positioning", but comparing the grips it's hard to see the difference. What is noticeable is that the inner core is now slightly tapered to give a more secure fit, the lock-ring is slightly narrower, and the grips get a robust, injection-molded, integrated end cap.
Like the original, the Deathgrip2 comes in three compounds – Gum (the hardest at 25A), Soft (20A) and Race (15A) – all are available flanged or flangeless.
I've used various sets of the originals over the years and have also been testing the Soft, Thick Deathgrip2s. The changes to the original may be small but they're significant all the same. The tough end caps mean the new grips are much more robust and can withstand being scuffed or dropped without serious damage. Tapering the inner core means the grips need to be tapped with a soft-faced mallet to fit, but there's zero movement on the bars once in place.
Only the most extreme-weight counters will care, but the weight of the grips has increased by a few grams – presumably due to the tapered core and sturdier end caps. I weighed a pair of flanged Soft, Thick Deathgrip2s at 114g (V1s were 108g), and the same spec flangeless versions at 106g (V1s were 98g).
Best runner-up
To be honest, performance-wise, there's very little to choose between the ODI Reflex and our top model, the Deathgrip2. However, being slightly cheaper and coming in a wider number of options, the DMR model takes the best grip crown.
Our tester, Neal Hunt, was so impressed with the Reflexes that they are now his go-to grips. Some of the features that stood out the most were the overall comfort and the brand's claims of longevity, which is a tricky balance to get right.
Although they come in at the pricier end of grips in this guide, the Reflexes are top quality and truly offer genuine performance benefits for a fraction of the cost of upgrading elsewhere on your bike.
The main upper part of the grip uses raised cushioned ribbed lugs that sit under your hands, the lower section incorporates a knurled area designed to help improve finger grip, and, like the DMR Deathgrip2, there's a mushroom section near the brake lever for comfort. Neal was also impressed with ODI's proprietary grip compound that offers helpful levels of damping and a decent lifespan.
For more, read the full ODI Reflex grips review.
Best super-sticky
Another top performer that delivered the goods in the wet and cold, as well as easier riding conditions, are the Gusset S2 Extra Soft MTB grips.
Guy Kesteven has tested hundreds of grips, but he rates the Gusset S2 Extra Soft as a great choice for anyone looking for a high-grip, all-weather compound, and they also come with a budget-friendly price tag.
The soft compound gives the Gussets a brilliant, locked-in feel, but they're also likely to wear out more quickly than most rivals. Handily, sensible pricing makes replacing them easier to bear. Gusset also offers a Standard S2 option with a harder-wearing rubber but with all the same features – if you'd rather something with a longer lifespan.
Want more detail? Check out our Gusset S2 Extra Soft Compound grip review for all the info.
Best eco-friendly MTB grip
Peaty's Monarch grips come in two texture options – Mushroom and Knurl – but both of those designs are more sophisticated than the names suggest. Both have ribbed mushroom sections near the thumb and forefinger section for comfort, and raised strips on the underside for extra finger grip. There's also a Pro option made with a dual-rubber compound and a cut-away section designed to reduce trail vibrations.
The grips have an offset core, so there's more of the 20A rubber on the upper section and they come in Thick and Thin options. But rather than being the same thickness throughout, the Monarchs are tapered, getting thicker along their length towards the end plugs. The Thin grips are 30mm at their thinnest and 32mm at the plug, while the Thick are 32 and 34mm.
Eco-credentials-wise, the cores are made using 80% recycled ocean plastic and the packaging is almost all cardboard, the only exceptions are two metal rivets.
In terms of performance, the Monarchs are up there with the best grips in this guide. Guy Kesteven tested them and was extremely impressed. "There are load of different grip options available, but for me, the Peaty’s approach of trying everything and cherry-picking the best parts of each really works.
"The tapered, asymmetric design means even the Thin knurled grips give super clean and precise feedback in all weathers without being bruising. Alternatively, the semi-ushroom design adds noticeable comfort without diluting bar control or compromising confident grip. The compound seems a great balance of tactile and tough so far, the pricing is reasonable and Peaty’s deserves credit for thinking eco where they can."
For more, see our Peaty's Monarch grips review.
Best MTB grip for comfort
Our best grip for the comfort spot is the Dread Lock from ODI. Tester Neal Hunt found the simple shape and soft-feeling foam compound made for a very comfortable grip that's ideal for XC and long-distance riders.
Design-wise, Neal loved the simplicity, and the Dread Lock comes with a straightforward, smooth profile and a gently contoured surface, which differs greatly from its feature-laden sibling, the ODI Reflex grip.
Overall, Neal was pleasantly surprised by the ODI Dread Lock grip, and compared with other foam silicone grips he's tested, the Dread Locks didn't suffer from premature wear and fragility. He found that you lose a bit of feel, and trail feedback can be muted, but they last well and are far more comfortable and robust than a classic foam grip.
For more detail, check out our ODI Dread Lock grips review.
Best super-soft compound MTB grip
The PNW Loam MTB grips are made from the brand's ultra soft and tacky 25a compound called Duro 'Happy Camper', which tester Guy Kesteven noted gave him an exceptional grip and stuck to his hands (gloved or bare) extremely well in all conditions.
In general, the grips wore really well after several months of hard use, but the downside of ultra-soft compounds is that they are more prone to tears if you crash or clip a tree.
Guy also found the tapered sleeves helped fit the Loams into place easily and they were totally secure. There’s a slight flare against the clamp with a thin wavy grip pattern inboard, a broad central bar, and then a fatter zig-zag pattern on the outboard top.
When riding, the grips deliver loads of rich trail feedback. The ribbed tread and multiple chevrons feel relatively firm for a soft compound, but offer all the support you need to rally hard.
Best MTB grip for smaller hands
The AMS Berm grips have a narrow and tapered profile that is more suited to smaller-handed riders. Measuring at just 29.5mm at the lowest point, that grows to 33.9mm on the outside diameter.
On test, Graham Cottingham noted that the AMS Berm MTB grips delivered plenty of tactile trail to hand feedback. Graham confirmed the better suitability to smaller handed riders noting that the inside area of the grip felt quite narrow in comparison to his normal go to grips – the very similar ODI Elite Flow.
Other stand-out plus points were the single collar design, which has a built-in rubber bar end – that Graham liked as it meant he could lean his bike anywhere without worrying about scratching anything.
Graham marked down the AMS Berm grips as he felt they lacked the tackiness of some other grips for the gloveless rider and they gave little in the way of damping due to their thinner profile. However, if you have small hands, like a tapered shape, and want a very direct bar feel, the AMS Berm grips tick all the boxes.
You can check out Graham's full review on the AMS Berm MTB grips for all the details.
Best MTB grip for bigger hands
Lizard Skins Oury MTB grips feature a simple old-school block design pattern that means the Oury's are easy to grip, and with a 32mm diameter, are super comfortable for the larger-handed rider. The compound is soft, but not too squishy and when combined with the large pad design it also helps eliminate vibration, numbness and slipping with the big, deep and soft rubber lugs also giving exceptional grip comfort.
The simple design gives them an old-school look too, and Lizard Skins offers various customization options, allowing you to choose the bar end style, collar color, and even engrave a message. Better still, the old-school aesthetic suits everything from a rigid single-speed to a long-travel charger.
Best lightweight MTB grip
The ESI Chunky MTB grips weigh in at 60g, which makes them some of the lightest MTB grips around. They come from the Arizona-based ESI, who were the first brand to make silicone foam grips that have inspired copycat versions from most of the other grip makers.
The ESI is basically a lightweight silicone tube that offers plenty of trail vibration damping, durability, and heaps of purchase even in the worst riding conditions.
ESI makes the Chunky in a range of shapes and sizes, including the Extra Chunky with a wider diameter and an extra 20g of weight compared to the standard Chunky that we prefer. We liked the slightly ovalized form and the 32mm of padding seems to offer the right balance between damping, comfort, and bar control in a superbly lightweight package. XC riders rate them, and if shaving the grams is your thing, then the Chunky grips are well worth a look.
How to choose the best MTB grips
Grips vary in shape from perfectly round tubes to ovalized cylinders, and some even have supportive wings. Round grips seem to be more responsive, while broad flat surfaces help to spread pressure over a wider surface area and are more comfortable for some.
However regardless of which shape you opt for, there are varying measurements that you'll need to be aware of when buying some new MTB grips.
Diameter
Usually grip width is measured in diameter, and this tells you what size/thickness they'll have, which is useful to know if you have particularly big or small hands. It tends to range between 25-40mm, with most coming in around 30-32. The diameter width indicates the kind of performance you'll get from them as well. For example, thicker grips will provide a more plush, comfortable ride due to the enhanced vibration damping they'll likely provide. However, their larger size will also likely cause a bit more strain on your hands while gripping them, which could cause them to fatigue sooner. Narrower grips won't be so cushy, but they'll offer the best grip and control because they're essentially easier to get your hands around.
Length
As you might have guessed, this is the measurement for how long the MTB grips are, from end to end. They tend to range between 128-140mm in length, with 130-135mm being the average size. This is useful to know if you're swapping out some old grips but really like the current positioning of your brake levers and shifters. Measuring the length of the exposed handlebar (or previous grips) will tell you what you need to look for.
Frequently asked questions
What's wrong with the grips that came with my MTB?
There's nothing wrong with them per se, so there's no reason to immediately swap them out when you get a new bike, unless you know that you want a specific kind of performance. The grips that come with most mountain bikes tend to be quite basic and they'll always wear out eventually. At some point or another, you're going to need to buy some more.
What are lock-on grips?
Lock-on grips have plastic cores with a rubber grip moulded around it. As the name suggests, they slide onto your bars and are held in place by clamping lock rings — some only have one, others have two. Because you bolt them on, they offer a high level of security, and it takes a lot of force to make them slip. However, even with the rubber coating around the inner sleeve, lock-on grips aren't as forgiving as their slip-on cousins.
What are slide-on grips?
Slide-on grips are made entirely of rubber or silicone and usually offer a more plush feel and vibration damping, because they are in direct contact with the bar. To actually get them on your bars, you'll need hairspray, rubbing alcohol, or an air compressor. Fitting these grips can be a frustrating process as they're hard to get in place. Removing them can be almost as tricky too.
Why do MTB grips come with different textures?
Some grips are totally smooth such as ESI's silicone grips, while others have deep grooves, some even verging on tread-like, like the Oury Lock-Ons. Channels cut into the grip help to move moisture mud and sweat away from your hands, though riders who regularly wear gloves tend to prefer smaller, less aggressive 'tread patterns'.
Just like tires, the rubber compound plays a role in grip and durability. When brands use words such as 'sticky' or 'ultra tacky' to describe their grips, they will offer good purchase but these compounds tend not to be very hard-wearing.
When will my MTB grips need replacing?
There's no clear-cut answer for this, as it will all depend on how often and how hard you ride your bike. All MTB grips will wear out eventually, and you'll know when yours are nearing their end because the rubber will become so sticky it starts to attract dirt. The grippy texture – or 'tread' – will wear away and become less prominent, and in some cases the grips might even tear.
It's not just about wear and tear though; if you're experiencing discomfort in your hands while you ride, whether it's sore spots, hot spots, numbness or tingling, or you're developing blisters or calluses, then you should try a new pair.
Do I need to wear gloves with MTB grips?
While the answer to this is technically no, if you're riding on trails, or any kind of terrain that's challenging, we'd definitely recommend wearing a pair of mountain bike gloves. Not only will they protect the skin on your palms in the event of a crash, but gloves will improve your grip when things get damp or sweaty. Many of them are also armored to protect your fingers, knuckles, and the backs of your hands from glancing blows from trees, so it's a very good idea to wear a pair.
How we test the best MTB grips
We ensure to run the grips we're testing for as long as possible (at least several months) in a range of riding conditions to see how they perform in different weather/temperature/trail scenarios. We've also run many of the best grips here to total destruction in long-term tests and on our personal bikes.
